EXO Xiumin Unveils His Second Album, *Interview X*
On March 10, 2025, EXO’s Xiumin, also known as Kim Min-seok, celebrated the launch of his sophomore album, *Interview X*. This album is particularly significant as it marks his first musical venture with the newly established label INB100, following his earlier solo effort, *Brand New*, which was released under SM Entertainment.
A Diverse Musical Journey
*Interview X* features an eclectic mix of six tracks that showcase Xiumin’s versatility as an artist. The album spans various genres and musical styles, further highlighted by the release of a vibrant music video for the title track, “WHEE!”.
1) Can’t Help Myself
The album opens with “Can’t Help Myself,”a captivating blend of dance-pop elements and sultry vocals, perfectly capturing the emotional turmoil associated with infatuation.
2) WHEE!
Watch the music video here. “WHEE!”presents an energetic and motivational message. The accompanying music video encapsulates the song’s whimsical lyrics through a dynamic visual aesthetic featuring a black, blue, and white color scheme.
3) Make You LaLa
With “Make You LaLa,”Xiumin encourages listeners to rediscover their lost zest for life. The track is enriched with guitar riffs and rhythmic percussion, creating an anthem of rejuvenation. His soothing vocals harmonize seamlessly with the instrumentals, offering a delightful auditory experience.
4) Switch Off
This track features co-writing credits from WJSN’s Exy, adding a unique flair to “Switch Off.”The song incorporates neo-pop elements that synergize beautifully with Xiumin’s vocal delivery, creating an engaging and memorable listening experience.
5) Lost Paradise
“Lost Paradise”dives into the concept of an ideal world shared by lovers. This track introduces a touch of trap music, cleverly accentuating Xiumin’s vocal transitions against subdued instrumentals, allowing his voice to shine through distinctly.
6) Love U
As a heartfelt tribute to fans, specifically EXO-L, “Love U”features lyrics that were collaboratively penned by Xiumin and fellow EXO member Chen (Kim Jong-dae). The album concludes on a tender note, offering a ballad of gratitude that is underscored by gentle piano melodies and soft percussion, making for a soothing finale.
Album Summary and Insights
Xiumin has succeeded in unveiling a fresh dimension of his musical capabilities with *Interview X*. Each track embodies a distinct genre and performance style, reflecting his artistic growth. However, it would have been enriching to see him more involved in the songwriting or composition processes. Notably, the brief duration of each track—hovering around the three-minute mark—suggests potential for deeper exploration in future releases.
Upcoming Activities for Xiumin
Xiumin has also revealed plans for his inaugural solo concert tour throughout Asia, kicking off in Seoul on March 22. The tour will subsequently include performances in Tokyo (April 11), Osaka (April 13), Bangkok (April 19), Manila (May 10), and Taipei (May 25).
There are ongoing discussions surrounding his potential absence from the Music Bank performance stage, with INB100 seeking clarification on the matter. Furthermore, Xiumin is set to star in the reality TV show *The Manager*, premiering March 14, 2025, and will star in the eagerly anticipated drama *Heo’s Diner*, launching on March 24, 2025.
For additional insights and images, visit the source.